How do I make an ocean of independently moving objects?
Use a particle system for your objects instead.



Create you ocean with whatever method you like (Ocean Modifier I suppose).
Add a particle system to it, make it emit from vertex and turn on Use Modifier Stack.

Under the Render settings make it use a group, then point it to a group containing all your objects. If you want them ordered just leave settings as is, if you want random positioning just tick the option Pick Random



Turn on the Unborn and Died option so all are visible.

Turn off the Random option (right bellow Vertex) so only one object is used per vertex, then check in the 3D View header under Object Mode how many vertex your object has, then adjust the particle count to match it exactly, so no wholes or overlaps happen.